At a glance

A First Class yacht cruise around the Galapagos Islands with incredible wildlife encounters guaranteed

The extraordinary archipelago of the Galapagos left a lasting impression on Darwin and is likely to do the same for you. An enchanted world: characterised by stark lava fields, cactus forests, volcanic craters, mangrove lagoons and turquoise waters. Step over snoozing sea lions, watch the courting rituals of Blue-footed boobies or snorkel with turtles, sharks and rays.

Itinerary

Today is free to relax, recover from the flight and explore the fascinating city of Quito. Quito is the second highest capital in the world, standing at 2,850m on the western cordillera of the Andes, and one of the smaller and more attractive of the colonial capitals of South America. Because of the altitude visitors to Quito are advised to take it easy at first.See more images and videos

We return to Quito airport for the flight to the Galapagos and the island of Baltra, which usually flies via Guayaquil. Our luggage will be taken to the boat, whilst we take a short ferry crossing to Santa Cruz Island where we drive to the highlands to look for wild tortoises. We follow this with a visit to the Charles Darwin Centre, where we can learn about the ecology of the islands and visit the centre's turtle hatchery. After this visit, we board the boat at Puerto Ayora, the island's main town. As we are unlikely to have access to our luggage from arrival at Baltra until this evening, please make sure that you bring your camera, sun cream and appropriate clothing: comfortable footwear for some short walks (possibly amongst grass), light clothes, a hat/cap and a light waterproof in case of a shower or mist.See more images and videos

Our Galapagos Cruise alternates between two itineraries and so for the next seven days your specific itinerary in the Galapagos depends on the departure date of the trip (please ask your sales consultant if unsure).
Itinerary A: Walk on the tiny Plazas Islands to see a cactus forest, land iguanas and seabirds, then cruise to the white sand beaches of Santa Fe.
Itinerary B: A short walk on the tiny island of Chinese Hat before snorkelling with sea lions (and penguins if lucky!); on to the dark red beach of Isla Rabida to walk amongst spatter cones, pelicans, Blue-footed and Nazca boobies.See more images and videos

5Day 5Second day of Galapagos cruise.

Itinerary A: A day at San Cristobal Island: the white sand beach, Blue-footed boobies and old cone of Cerro Brujo, Giant tortoise at Galapaguera and crystal clear waters around the striking spear of Kicker Rock.
Itinerary B: We start three days exploring the largest island of Isabela with an exploration of the mangroves at Los Tintoreras and walk to the huge 5-mile wide caldera on Sierra Negra volcano. In the afternoon it's possible to visit the Giant tortoise breeding centre on Isabela island.See more images and videos

6Day 6Third day of Galapagos cruise.

Itinerary A: Swim with sea lions and marine iguanas at the paradisiacal beach at Gardener Bay on Espanola (Hood) Island. In the afternoon, walk amongst Nazca and Blue-footed boobies and nesting Waved Albatross (in season) next to pounding surf at Punta Suarez.
Itinerary B: Cruising around Isabela's west side, we hope to see whales and dolphins. We land at Punta Moreno's swirling fresh lava flows and also explore the islets of Elizabeth Bay with the largest colony of penguins in the Galapagos.See more images and videos

7Day 7Fourth day of Galapagos cruise.

Itinerary A: At Floreana Island snorkel in the spectacular sunken crater of Devil's Crown amongst thousands of fish. We visit the lagoon at Punta Cormorant (often with flamingos) and Post Office Bay, the mailbox used by 18th Century whalers.
Itinerary B: In 1954 Urbina Bay was uplifted 4 metres and we walk here amongst exposed coral heads, wandering giant tortoises and huge land iguanas. In the afternoon we visit Tagus Cove and Darwin Lake, directly opposite recently active Fernandina Volcano.See more images and videos

8Day 8Fifth day of Galapagos cruise.

Itinerary A: To Dragon Hill, a nesting site for land iguanas with a large lagoon; dramatic Sullivan Bay with a walk on a huge lava flow only 100 years old before swimming from the white-sand beach in crystal clear waters.
Itinerary B: Land at Punta Espinosa on Fernandina in the midst of a huge colony of marine iguanas; the sea life is very rich here and supports a large sea lion and fur seal colony. We then cross the straights and explore the cliffs of Punta Vicente Roca on Isabela.See more images and videos

9Day 9Sixth day of Galapagos cruise.

Itinerary A: Less-visited Genovesa (also called Tower) Island is home to an abundance of Red-footed boobies, fur seals, storm petrels and Short-eared Owls. Here, we look for tropicbirds at Prince Philip Steps before snorkelling, whilst at Darwin Bay, Galapagos mockingbirds can usually be seen.
Itinerary B: Excellent birding on Santiago (James) Island at Puerto Egas followed by an afternoon snorkel and a walk amongst incredible volcanic scenery up little Bartolome Island - cones, lava tubes and Pinnacle Rock.See more images and videos

10Day 10Disembark the Cachalote. Fly to Quito.

Itinerary A: We explore the mangroves of Turtle Cove at dawn watching marine turtles rising for air; rays and herons fishing from the trees.
Itinerary B: An early morning walk on North Seymour amidst Palo Santo trees and Blue-footed booby colonies.
Both itineraries: After a late breakfast we disembark for the journey back to Baltra to transfer to the airport and the flight back to the mainland. A short stop at Guayaquil is followed by what is often an exciting flight over the volcanoes of the Andes to Quito.See more images and videos

Your images

Guided Group

This is a small group guided holiday. The group is usually between 4 and 16 in size, with an average of 12 like-minded clients booking individually, in a couple or as friends together.

Activity level

You are healthy, enjoy the outdoors and want a relaxing trip. No experience is required.

What's included

What's included

All breakfasts, 7 lunches, 7 dinners

All accommodation (see below)

All transport and listed activities

Tour leader throughout

Flights from London (if booking incl. flights)

Arrival and departure transfers

Snorkel equipment (mask, snorkel and fins) available free of charge on board

What's not included

Travel insurance

Single accommodation (available on request - please ask for details)

Visas or vaccinations

Compulsory Galapagos taxes USD110 (approx. GBP70), paid locally

Accommodation details

Hotels & Yacht

7 nights on board the Cachalote in en suite, air-conditioned rooms, 3 nights hotel with en suite rooms.
A charming schooner, the Cachalote is a First Class motor-sailer yacht featuring panoramic windows in the saloon and dining areas, air-conditioning in every cabin and three spacious wooden decks. She is equipped with eight double occupancy cabins (one matrimonial and the rest upper/lower berths) with en suite WC and hot showers.

Essential info

Vaccinations and Visa
British passport holders do not need a visa for Ecuador. Very few other nationalities need a visa for Ecuador, but if you are in any doubt you should contact the nearest Ecuadorian Embassy.
Please note that if flying via the US (even as a transit passenger) you must clear US immigration. Most UK citizens are eligible for visa-free travel, but you must register on the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA), which costs USD14 and is valid for two years. Please go to http://www.exodus.co.uk/USvisa for more information.
There are no mandatory vaccination requirements. Recommended vaccinations are: Typhoid and Hepatitis A. If you will spend any time in the Amazon Rainforest we recommend a Yellow Fever vaccination. Please note that your certificate of vaccination may be inspected on arrival to this region. Malaria is also a risk in some areas of the country (including the Amazon Rainforest) so we suggest you consult a Doctor for more advice.
Dengue fever is a known risk in places visited. It is a tropical viral disease spread by daytime biting mosquitoes. There is currently no vaccine or prophylaxis available for Dengue, and therefore the best form of prevention is to avoid being bitten. We recommend you take the usual precautions to avoid mosquito bites.
Holiday style

This trip has been graded 1 (Leisurely) with a Safari Rating of 5.
This trip is great for wildlife enthusiasts, photographers and those with an interest in history or geology. Though you do not need to be particularly fit, you should note that due to the volcanic nature of the Galapagos islands there will be some walking on rough ground and sharp volcanic rocks. The ability to withstand high temperatures and swim will maximize your enjoyment. Due to local regulations in the Galapagos we have specific time slots for making our landings and site visits. There is usually very little disruption to the schedule, but this can mean little room for deviation in the event of poor weather or other circumstances.

In the Galapagos, each day will feature a mixture of walking, snorkelling and exploring the islands by boat. To get closer to the designated landing sites on each of the islands we disembark the Cachalote into small pangas (motorised dinghys). Landings on the islands are divided into two types - wet and dry. For dry landings, the panga will take you right up to a landing stage or rocky outcrop where you can disembark without getting wet. However in some places where there is no landing stage the panga will stop close to a beach and you will be expected to walk through shallow water (generally no more than ankle-deep) to the shore. The leader will always advise conditions prior to leaving the Cachalote and it is possible to skip any particular excursion if you would rather relax on board the boat. There are plenty of opportunities for snorkelling in the Galapagos and this is one of the best ways to experience the marine life. A mask and snorkel will reveal an exciting underwater world with sea lions, rays, turtles, marine iguanas and a colourful array of fish. On most days of the itinerary there will be time set aside for snorkelling.

We offer these cruises in conjunction with our Ecuadorian partners, and Exodus participants will join an international group, not all of whom have booked through Exodus. Occasionally some of these may be younger than Exodus' minimum age for this trip.

Eating & drinking

All breakfasts, 7 lunches and 7 dinners included. On board the Cachalote meals are plentiful with a wide choice of international and local cuisine. Breakfasts will usually consist of cheese, meats, eggs, cereal, toasts, yoghurts and fruits. Snacks are provided mid-morning and mid-afternoon, and for lunches and dinner soup usually precedes the main course.
Alcoholic drinks are available on board the Cachalote (approx. USD4 per beer, USD32.50 for a bottle of wine, around US10 for selected cocktails) and the crew request that you do not bring your own alcohol with you. Drinking water, tea, coffee and juice is freely available at no additional charge.

The chef can prepare meals for vegetarians and those with other dietary requirements provided advance notice is given - please inform us at the time of booking.

Trip notes

Download the detailed trip notes for everything you could possibly want
to know about this trip, including detailed itinerary and full kit list.

Weather & seasonality

In Quito and the highlands it should be warm by day and generally dry. Maximum daytime temperatures are almost constant throughout the year at 20degC, nights 8degC. Some rain can be expected in February to May and October to November but storms, though heavy, are generally short, and Quito is considered to have quite a pleasant climate.

It is possible to visit the Galapagos at any time of year, though the weather patterns are complicated and cannot be reduced to easy formulas. The weather is controlled by the two main ocean currents of the region, the Humboldt, bringing cold water from the Antarctic, and El Nino, which brings tropical water from the Gulf of Panama. How close to Galapagos they converge (which varies from year to year) is the key to the weather.

'Dry season'

Generally speaking, late May to early December is the cooler 'dry' season. In this period it is not necessarily dry, as there is a persistent light mist (garua) and often light drizzle, and the higher mountain slopes are covered in cloud and fog or rain. At this time the winds are in the southeast and are higher than at other times, so seas can sometimes be choppy and anyone worried about seasickness might be better advised to avoid it. Daytime maximum temperatures lie between 27 and 31degC, the cooler months being July to November. In July and August the fairly strong winds introduce a chill factor, and it can feel quite cold at nights, though throughout the year the official night temperatures vary between 19 and 24degC.

'Wet season'

Depending on how close the convergence of the two currents comes to Galapagos, there may or may not be a wet season from January to April or May. approx. every seven years the El Nino current actually hits the islands and there will be heavy rains in these months. In other years there will be more or less rain, usually falling sporadically from otherwise clear skies. The ocean temperatures are higher, with generally calm seas and strong sunshine: pleasant, but potentially very hot. Apart from an El Nino year, the weather is usually better from December/January to April/May than at other times even if there is some rain, and most people would regard these months as the best time to go.

Gallery

Reviews & community

The Cachelote sail boat and crew were magnificent! Our guide Juan was incredibly enthusiastic and knowledgeable. The itinerary is excellent as it really takes in the diversity of each of the islands and the amazing wildlife. The hotel in Quito (Hotel Vieja Cuba) and the staff were also excellent.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Experiencing such close encounters with the wildlife - really thrilling!

What did you think of your group leader?

Gloria was our group leader on the mainland and Juan was our leader on the islands. Both were helpful, knowledgeable and friendly. Couldn't ask for more.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Take plenty of SD cards, sunscreen, insect repellent. If you have your own snorkelling gear, take that too. After dark, take taxis in Quito - the hotel staff will help you do this.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

A brilliant holiday which I would highly recommend. Can't wait to go back and do the Western islands!

This was intended as a once in a lifetime experience however I now have every intention of going back at some point and doing itinerary A to see the rest of the islands! The holiday was everything I could have hoped for and more.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Although we most wanted to see the giant tortoises, which we did , both in breeding centres and in the wild, there were so many amazing moments. There were two main highlights for us - snorkelling with the huge variety of fish, sea turtles, rays, sea lions, penguins and sharks (not necessarily all in one day!) and being woken up at 2.30am to watch a volcano erupt. You know you are really seeing something special when the crew are all up on deck with huge smiles on their faces and taking selfies with the volcano in the background!

What did you think of your group leader?

David was fantastic. He had great knowledge of all of the wildlife, plants and landscapes in the Galapagos. How he managed to spot a Vermillion Flycatcher (the size of a sparrow) while we were zooming along on a bus in the pouring rain and then direct the bus driver back to where it was so we could take a photo I'll never know!

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Read all of the other reviews on here, they helped me greatlt. I would reiterate about taking sea sickness tablets, even if you think you're not going to suffer - it would ruin the trip if you felt ill. It's a small boat and did get very rocky at times. Also make sure you take good closed walking shoes and suitable lightweight attire for 'hiking'. This trip is marked 1 for leisurely but personally I would put it a bit higher than that. The lava fields can be quite tricky to navigate and there are some steep hills involved in places. Walking sticks were provided though. Also be prepared for rain, we were very lucky and only had one downpour. It just happened to be while we were trekking up a volcano to view the crater, we got very muddy and couldn't actually see the crater when we got to the top! If you can do take an underwater camera, what you see down there can be breathtaking. Also pack lightly, the cabins are very small and there is only room for one holdall under the bed.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

We did Itinerary B in May 2015 and we had a fantastic time. An El Nino had just been declared but the wildlife hadn't yet been affected. Later in the year we are told that the sea life will go into decline for a while as the sea warms up and there are fewer fish to feed on. If that is what you are interested in it may be best to wait a year before you go. But do go. You will not be disappointed!

I cannot recomnend this trip highly enough. The Galapagos were breathtaking and every day brought something new and awe inspiring. I wish I was there now!

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Seeing such diverse wildlife and scenery and getting so close to the animals, birds and marine life. A truly inspirational and magical experience.

What did you think of your group leader?

Juan was a fantastic guide and we felt privileged to have him as our group leader. Not only did he have 25 years of guiding experience in the Galapagos, he was charming and entertaining as well. His enthusiasm and love for the Islands was apparent and he went out of his way to help those who needed a little extra assistance to make sure they could enjoy their experience. 10 out of 10.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Just go! Make the most of every opportunity on offer - you won't regret it. Take some walking shoes as well as sandals as some places are quite muddy/slippery. Take a waterproof bag for your camera etc. Take insect repellent and factor 50 suncream - even when it's cloudy the sun is still up there! If your itinerary recommends a torch, take a head-torch as it's for use inside a cave. Pack light. The cabins are very small so the smaller your bag, the better.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

We wanted the trip to go on and on and hope very much to go back one day. Recommend extending your trip to encompass other areas of Equadorbif possible.

With a shovel in one hand and a bucket of muddy river water in the other, Vicky’s passion for travel, adventure and wildlife was cemented whilst looking after 3 baby elephants on a conservation programme in Sri Lanka. Over ten years and many adventures later, her career in travel has seen her snorkelling with sea lions, playing hide and seek with penguins and giving pep talks to turtle hatchlings before releasing them into the sea. Vicky now works in the Exodus Product team managing the Wildlife & Polar programme.

With a childhood spent in Mexico, Lucy’s passion for travel started early and shows no sign of slowing down since starting a family. Her passion for the Poles spans over a decade, despite braving an especially brutal crossing of the drake in 2003 she was keen to experience more and her subsequent expeditions to Spitsbergen and Greenland have given her exceptional all-round knowledge of the Polar regions. She also loves travelling with her children, and a recent trip to Morocco cemented an already firm belief in broadening the children’s horizons early on.

Questions about your trip

Pick your question

I'm travelling via the US, do I need a visa?

Most clients are eligible to travel via the US under the US Visa Waiver Programme, however to do this you must register for an ETA (Electronic Travel Authority). This must be done prior to departure - more details can be found at www.exodus.co.uk/usvisa.

Rebecca Caldicott - Customer Operations

Do I take dollars to Ecuador?

Since US dollar is the official currency of Ecuador it is definitely the best option to go for. Sterling. although not necessarily very difficult to change. may incur a poor exchange rate. ATMs are becoming more common but you shouldn't rely on them 100% in case there are any problems. Exchanging travellers cheques could be a pretty time consuming operation.Obtaining change for larger denomination banknotes (US$100 and US$50) can be very difficult, and in many cases they may not even be accepted (especially $100 notes) so our suggestion is not to bring them with you at all. You may find it strange but people in Ecuador (and other South American countries) could be a bit fussy about the condition of banknotes and may not be happy to accept a torn or heavily used note (the higher denomination, the more likely it is).If flying to the Galapagos you will be asked to pay $110 in cash to cover for the immigration control card ($10) and Galapagos tax ($100). If you are sailing on the Cacholote, you will actually only need some money for alcoholic drinks on board (soft drinks $1.50, beer $2, cocktails $3-6), gratuities and souvenirs. You will need to take a bit more cash with you if you want to hire snorkelling equipment or a wetsuit on the boat. Cards or travellers cheques are not accepted on board the yacht and ATMs in the Galapagos are very limited.

Karol Rogacki - Americas Operations

Exodus staff - expertise on hand to help

All the staff at Exodus share a passion for adventure travel, and are always happy to answer any questions you may have. You can find an expert for the area you are interested in here and can contact them to get further information. If you don't see your specific country listed, please email customerops@exodus.co.uk and they will get the answers you need!

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